What is the difference between an acquittal and a dismissal?

The difference between an acquittal and a dismissal is based on the level of certainty involved in the outcome of a criminal trial. In Florida, an acquittal is a verdict given by a jury or judge that the defendant is not guilty of the crime charged. This means that the state has failed to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. On the other hand, a dismissal is a ruling by a judge that there is not enough evidence to prove that the defendant committed the crime and, therefore, the charge should be dropped. A dismissal occurs before the trial has finished and does not necessarily mean that the defendant is innocent; simply that there is not enough evidence to proceed with the criminal proceedings. An acquittal is a final decision by a court that the defendant is innocent and the charge is dismissed. On the other hand, a dismissal is an earlier stage of the criminal trial process where the judge or prosecutor determines that there is insufficient evidence to pursue the case to conviction. Since an acquittal requires the state to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it is viewed as a stronger outcome than a dismissal.

Related FAQs

What is the role of probation officers in drug law enforcement?
What are the laws for possession of a drug paraphernalia?
What are the consequences of a plea of guilty or no contest?
What is a drug exclusion zone?
What are the requirements for a successful plea bargain?
What is the common law definition of drug trafficking?
What is the difference between a mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum sentence?
What is drug diversion?
What is a criminal forfeiture in a drug case?
What is a drug police officer?

What is the difference between an acquittal and a dismissal?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts